Homecoming BBQ & Ministry Fair: With Gratitude & Thanks!

Jonathan Graves
17 hours ago
2 min read

What a joyful Homecoming BBQ & Ministry Fair! More than 100 people gathered for wonderful food, fellowship, and connection as we celebrated the beginning of a new program year at St. Andrew’s.

A special thank you to the Davidsons and Pattersons for preparing the BBQ and all the fixings, and to everyone who brought a delicious dish, volunteered, helped set up and clean up, or simply came to enjoy the day. Your servant hearts and helping hands made Homecoming a wonderful celebration of our parish community.

The Ministry Fair was also a wonderful reminder of just how many ways our parishioners are living out their faith through service, formation, worship, fellowship, and care for our neighbors. So many ministries and programs were represented, including the Help Hub, Knit Wits, Daughters of the King, Women’s Walk, Worship Ministries, Veterans Food Drive, School Supply Drive, Domestic Violence Shelter & Safe Haven, Good Shepherd, NourishNC, Meals on Wheels, Family Promise, Christmas Gift Drive, Adult Formation and Study Programs, Men’s Spiritual Formation, Children’s Formation, St. Andrew’s Preschool, Music and Choir, and many more.

That spirit of shared ministry was at the heart of Fr. BJ’s sermon that morning. Reflecting on St. Paul’s image of the Church as the Body of Christ, he reminded us that “every single person here is important, valuable, and necessary to the success of the church.” Each of us has gifts to offer, and when those gifts are shared in service to others, the whole Body of Christ is strengthened.

Fr. BJ also reminded us that ministry is not reserved for clergy or staff. “You all have a role that you get to play,” he said, encouraging us to ask two important questions: “What has God equipped you to do for his kingdom?” and “Where is he calling you to serve?”

Homecoming gave us a beautiful glimpse of what that looks like when a parish brings its many gifts together. As Fr. BJ put it, when we work together “to support and serve and build up each other,” the whole church is better for it.

Interested in joining one of our Parish Life Teams, including Hospitality & Parish Events, Health & Wellness, Newcomer, or Welcome & Greet? Contact the parish office to learn more.

On behalf of the Parish Life Team, thank you for your servant hearts and helping hands. You made a true difference in connecting our community and lifting our ministry to God.

Thank you to everyone who made Homecoming such a joyful beginning to our year together. Come and See where God may be calling you to connect, serve, and grow at St. Andrew’s!